A recent poll conducted by RacingNews365 revealed widespread discontent among Formula 1 fans regarding Max Verstappen’s collision with George Russell during the Spanish Grand Prix. The majority condemned Verstappen’s actions, arguing that the reigning world champion should have faced disqualification rather than the 10-second penalty handed down by race officials.
The collision occurred on Lap 64 at Turn 5, where Verstappen appeared to deliberately bump into Russell’s Mercedes. Verstappen’s penalty not only dropped him five places in the final race standings but also added three penalty points to his record. This brought his total to 11 points within 12 months—just one point shy of the threshold that could lead to an F1 race ban.
Poll Highlights Divided Opinions on Severity of Penalty
Out of more than 18,500 responses, 74.17% believed Verstappen’s penalty was too lenient and supported disqualification, while 25.83% disagreed. The online discussion around the poll reflected frustration with the FIA’s inconsistent handling of incidents, especially when compared to penalties issued to other drivers.
One fan compared Verstappen’s penalty with George Russell’s earlier reprimand at the Monaco Grand Prix for a relatively minor offense, questioning the fairness of the FIA’s decisions. This disparity fueled dissatisfaction and debate over race officials’ standards.
Conversely, some supporters defended Verstappen’s competitive aggressiveness, suggesting that the collision was a product of intense racing circumstances. They acknowledged that while Verstappen’s move was questionable, the high stakes and pressure of the moment could explain his behavior.
Implications for Verstappen’s Championship Quest and Upcoming Races
With Verstappen now just one penalty point away from a potential ban, the next Formula 1 events—the Canadian and Austrian Grands Prix—carry heightened significance. If Verstappen accumulates another penalty point before June 30th, he risks becoming the first reigning world champion to be suspended from a Grand Prix, a consequence that would dramatically affect his title defense.
The collision has deepened tensions within the F1 community, emphasizing the fragile balance between aggressive racing and sportsmanship under FIA regulations. Enthusiasts and participants alike are closely watching how Verstappen will respond as the season unfolds, especially under the pressure to avoid further infractions and maintain his championship momentum.
